MANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State wrestlers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;were named on the 2020 National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II All-America team, released Thursday by the NWCA. The Tiger wrestling program now has 82 All-Americans in its storied history, including 43 during the DII era and 17 under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=867">Chas Thompson</a>.

The coaches typically recognize the top DII student-athletes based on their achievements at the national championships, but due to this year's cancellation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, All-American honors were based on each wrestler's overall body of work through the super-regional tournaments and up to the national championships.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;earned All-American honors for the third time in his career, becoming just the fifth Tiger in program history to reach All-American status three or more times.&nbsp;Ball finished his senior season with a 16-1 record, including seven bonus-point wins (one pin, three tech falls, three major decisions). He wrapped up his career with the best winning percentage in program history, winning 85.5 percent of his matches over the last five seasons (130-22). Ball qualified for the national championships for the fourth time in his career after a runner-up finish at the Super Region 4 Championships. He was named the MIAA Dual Meet champion at 141 pounds this season, his third conference title.

Redshirt-freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;picked up All-American honors for the first time after posting a 16-6 record. All but two of his victories were bonus-point wins, recording 11 pins, two tech falls and one major decision in the 125-pound class. Turner placed second at the Super Region 4 Championships after defeating a pair of ranked wrestlers, including a pin of the defending national champion. The Kansas City, Kan. native is 22-9 as a Tiger including his redshirt season.

In addition, Ball and Turner were recently named NWCA Scholar All-Americans and both earned the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for their dedication in the classroom as well as on the mat.



MANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State wrestlers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;were named on the 2020 National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II All-America team, released Thursday by the NWCA. The Tiger wrestling program now has 82 All-Americans in its storied history, including 43 during the DII era and 17 under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=867">Chas Thompson</a>.The coaches typically recognize the top DII student-athletes based on their achievements at the national championships, but due to this year's cancellation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, All-American honors were based on each wrestler's overall body of work through the super-regional tournaments and up to the national championships.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;earned All-American honors for the third time in his career, becoming just the fifth Tiger in program history to reach All-American status three or more times.&nbsp;Ball finished his senior season with a 16-1 record, including seven bonus-point wins (one pin, three tech falls, three major decisions). He wrapped up his career with the best winning percentage in program history, winning 85.5 percent of his matches over the last five seasons (130-22). Ball qualified for the national championships for the fourth time in his career after a runner-up finish at the Super Region 4 Championships. He was named the MIAA Dual Meet champion at 141 pounds this season, his third conference title.Redshirt-freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;picked up All-American honors for the first time after posting a 16-6 record. All but two of his victories were bonus-point wins, recording 11 pins, two tech falls and one major decision in the 125-pound class. Turner placed second at the Super Region 4 Championships after defeating a pair of ranked wrestlers, including a pin of the defending national champion. The Kansas City, Kan. native is 22-9 as a Tiger including his redshirt season.In addition, Ball and Turner were recently named NWCA Scholar All-Americans and both earned the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for their dedication in the classroom as well as on the mat.

FHSU Athletics

FHSU's Ball, Turner named NWCA All-American

NEW YORK (AP) — Forbes estimates the New York Yankees are baseball’s most valuable franchise at $5 billion, up 9% over last year and 47% more than the No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers at $3.4 billion.

The Yankees are second among all sports in Forbes’ evaluations to the Dallas Cowboys, listed at $5.5 billion in the last NFL ranking.

The Yankees’ YES Network broadcasts Forbes “SportsMoney” television show.

The Boston Red Sox are third at $3.3 billion, Forbes said Thursday, followed by the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco, the New York Mets, St. Louis and Philadelphia. Each of those teams are worth $2 billion.

Miami was last at $980 million, a drop of $20 million.

5. San Francisco Giants, $3.1 billion

Forbes estimates the MLB average team value rose 4% from last year to $1.85 billion, the smallest annual appreciation since a 2% rise in 2010.

NEW YORK (AP) — Forbes estimates the New York Yankees are baseball’s most valuable franchise at $5 billion, up 9% over last year and 47% more than the No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers at $3.4 billion.The Yankees are second among all sports in Forbes’ evaluations to the Dallas Cowboys, listed at $5.5 billion in the last NFL ranking.The Yankees’ YES Network broadcasts Forbes “SportsMoney” television show.The Boston Red Sox are third at $3.3 billion, Forbes said Thursday, followed by the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco, the New York Mets, St. Louis and Philadelphia. Each of those teams are worth $2 billion.Miami was last at $980 million, a drop of $20 million.MLB Team Valuations1. New York Yankees, $5 billion2. Los Angeles Dodgers, $3.4 billion3. Boston Red Sox, $3.3 billion4. Chicago Cubs, $3.2 billion5. San Francisco Giants, $3.1 billion 6. New York Mets, $2.4 billion7. St. Louis Cardinals, $2.2 billion8. Philadelphia Phillies, $2.0 billion9. Los Angeles Angels, $1.975 billion10. Washington Nationals, $1.9 billion11. Houston Astros, $1.85 billion12. Atlanta Braves, $1.8 billion13. Texas Rangers, $1.75 billion14. Chicago White Sox, $1.65 billion15. Toronto Blue Jays, $1.625 billion16. Seattle Mariners, $1.6 billion17. San Diego Padres, $1.45 billion18. Baltimore Orioles, $1.4 billion19. Minnesota Twins, $1.3 billion20. Arizona Diamondbacks, $1.29 billion21. Colorado Rockies, $1.275 billion22. Pittsburgh Pirates, $1.26 billion23. Detroit Tigers, $1.25 billion24. Milwaukee Brewers, $1.2 billion25. Cleveland Indians, $1.15 billion26. Oakland Athletics, $1.1 billion27. Cincinnati Reds, $1.075 billion28. Tampa Bay Rays, $1.05 billion29. Kansas City Royals, $1.025 billion30. Miami Marlins, $980 millionForbes estimates the MLB average team value rose 4% from last year to $1.85 billion, the smallest annual appreciation since a 2% rise in 2010.

Yankees headline Forbes' list of MLB's most valuable teams

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent running back DeAndre Washington, Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.

Washington, 27, spent his first four seasons with the Raiders after they made him a fifth-round choice out of Texas Tech. He was a college teammate of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes with the Red Raiders. During his senior season, Washington accounted for 1,492 total yards and 14 touchdowns.

In 2019 with Oakland, Washington played in 16 games with three starts. He ran for 387 yards and three touchdowns, while recording a career-high 36 receptions for a career-high 292 yards.

Washington has played 55 games with five starts in his career. He has 282 carries for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching 88 passes for 613 yards and a score.

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent running back DeAndre Washington, Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.Washington, 27, spent his first four seasons with the Raiders after they made him a fifth-round choice out of Texas Tech. He was a college teammate of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes with the Red Raiders. During his senior season, Washington accounted for 1,492 total yards and 14 touchdowns.In 2019 with Oakland, Washington played in 16 games with three starts. He ran for 387 yards and three touchdowns, while recording a career-high 36 receptions for a career-high 292 yards.Washington has played 55 games with five starts in his career. He has 282 carries for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching 88 passes for 613 yards and a score.

Chiefs to sign former Raiders RB DeAndre Washington

UNDATED (AP) — College baseball stands to benefit from Major League Baseball's decision to shorten its 2020 draft to as few as five rounds and limit signing bonuses for undrafted free agents to $20,000. 

The college game also will have older and more experienced players because of the NCAA's decision to allow players whose season was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic to return to school in 2021 with the same eligibility standing as in 2020. 

Michigan coach Erik Bakich says the talent level in the college game could be the deepest ever.

UNDATED (AP) — College baseball stands to benefit from Major League Baseball's decision to shorten its 2020 draft to as few as five rounds and limit signing bonuses for undrafted free agents to $20,000. The college game also will have older and more experienced players because of the NCAA's decision to allow players whose season was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic to return to school in 2021 with the same eligibility standing as in 2020. Michigan coach Erik Bakich says the talent level in the college game could be the deepest ever.

College baseball could benefit from pandemic

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

While the current coronavirus pandemic continues to alter just about
every part of everyday life across the country, one of the first hit was the
sports world. 

The NBA's announcement on the evening of March 11 that it was suspending its season started a trickle-down effect. The next day the Kansas State High School Activities Association canceled their state basketball tournaments. The
NCAA followed suit with the unprecedented canceling of their basketball tournament
and eventually ended the entire remaining spring sports season.

“There’s no manual for it,” said Fort Hays State Athletic
Director Curtis Hammeke. “None of us have been down this road before so we’re
just adjusting on the run and trying to make the best of the situation.”

While some of the winter sports were already completed, the Fort Hays State’s women’s basketball team was in
Warrensburg, Mo., for the start of the NCAA Division II Central Regional when word came that it was being canceled.&nbsp;

The Tiger wrestling team had five members in Sioux Falls, S.D., preparing for the start of the
wrestling national championships and a couple of track and field athletes were preparing
for the national indoor meet in Birmingham, Ala.

The Tiger baseball and softball seasons were in full gear,
football had already started spring practices, and outdoor track and field was
gearing up for the start of their season when they found out they were being shut down.

Recently, the NCAA ruled that spring sport student-athletes
will be granted an additional season of eligibility and, while Hammeke applauded the decision, he said it does bring with it some unintended consequences.

“It’s certainly the right thing to do to give. You think about those seniors who lost their final year going down the stretch, but then
you bring an incoming class of freshman and they’re frustrated about that,” Hammeke said. “It has a snowball effect to it and some of those ramifications are
negative, even though I think all of the intentions were good.”

Even though most Division II student-athletes, including
those at Fort Hays State, are on a partial scholarship Hammeke said funding will
be the biggest challenge.

“The NCAA made that decision but they’re not helping with
the finance of it so technically you’re now trying to fund two classes, your (incoming)
freshman class and your (returning) senior class. You have one class on top of
what you're budgeted to cover,” Hammeke said. 

“It’s a pretty difficult thing to say, 'No we’re not going to give you a
scholarship but go ahead and come back and do your senior year again.' We’re trying to work through the budget ramifications of that and it’s
going to be challenge at our level nationwide.”

One of the FHSU Athletic Department’s key fundraisers is the
annual Tiger Auction and Dinner. Hammeke said, as of now, they are planning to host the event as scheduled on August 22.&nbsp;

“Everything is going to be a catch-22 right now. People are
struggling. There are people losing jobs, oil prices are down so fundraising in
and of itself will be a bigger challenge,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s happening
at a time when we’re going to be more challenged financially.”

Most schools use the spring and summer months for fundraising
and planning for the upcoming school year. Hammeke said that is still happening
at Fort Hays State but, like many businesses, they’re doing everything from home.

“We’re all trying to anticipate what’s going to happen next,
what the next steps are going to be, but really anyone’s guess is as good as
ours," he said. "We’re trying to anticipate what we need to do moving forward and we hope that
will get a little bit clearer.”

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostWhile the current coronavirus pandemic continues to alter just about
every part of everyday life across the country, one of the first hit was the
sports world. The NBA's announcement on the evening of March 11 that it was suspending its season started a trickle-down effect. The next day the Kansas State High School Activities Association canceled their state basketball tournaments. The
NCAA followed suit with the unprecedented canceling of their basketball tournament
and eventually ended the entire remaining spring sports season.“There’s no manual for it,” said Fort Hays State Athletic
Director Curtis Hammeke. “None of us have been down this road before so we’re
just adjusting on the run and trying to make the best of the situation.”While some of the winter sports were already completed, the Fort Hays State’s women’s basketball team was in
Warrensburg, Mo., for the start of the NCAA Division II Central Regional when word came that it was being canceled.&nbsp;The Tiger wrestling team had five members in Sioux Falls, S.D., preparing for the start of the
wrestling national championships and a couple of track and field athletes were preparing
for the national indoor meet in Birmingham, Ala.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580680759608.jpeg" alt="Members of the FHSU baseball team celebrate in the dugout during a game this season. (Allie Schweizer photo)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the FHSU baseball team celebrate in the dugout during a game this season. (Allie Schweizer photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tiger baseball and softball seasons were in full gear,
football had already started spring practices, and outdoor track and field was
gearing up for the start of their season when they found out they were being shut down.Recently, the NCAA ruled that spring sport student-athletes
will be granted an additional season of eligibility and, while Hammeke applauded the decision, he said it does bring with it some unintended consequences.“It’s certainly the right thing to do to give. You think about those seniors who lost their final year going down the stretch, but then
you bring an incoming class of freshman and they’re frustrated about that,” Hammeke said. “It has a snowball effect to it and some of those ramifications are
negative, even though I think all of the intentions were good.”Even though most Division II student-athletes, including
those at Fort Hays State, are on a partial scholarship Hammeke said funding will
be the biggest challenge.“The NCAA made that decision but they’re not helping with
the finance of it so technically you’re now trying to fund two classes, your (incoming)
freshman class and your (returning) senior class. You have one class on top of
what you're budgeted to cover,” Hammeke said. “It’s a pretty difficult thing to say, 'No we’re not going to give you a
scholarship but go ahead and come back and do your senior year again.' We’re trying to work through the budget ramifications of that and it’s
going to be challenge at our level nationwide.”One of the FHSU Athletic Department’s key fundraisers is the
annual Tiger Auction and Dinner. Hammeke said, as of now, they are planning to host the event as scheduled on August 22.&nbsp;“Everything is going to be a catch-22 right now. People are
struggling. There are people losing jobs, oil prices are down so fundraising in
and of itself will be a bigger challenge,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s happening
at a time when we’re going to be more challenged financially.”Most schools use the spring and summer months for fundraising
and planning for the upcoming school year. Hammeke said that is still happening
at Fort Hays State but, like many businesses, they’re doing everything from home.“We’re all trying to anticipate what’s going to happen next,
what the next steps are going to be, but really anyone’s guess is as good as
ours," he said. "We’re trying to anticipate what we need to do moving forward and we hope that
will get a little bit clearer.”

'There’s no manual for it': FHSU athletics grapples with sports void

The
Fort Hays State women’s basketball team received another commitment for the 2020-21 season.
Carly Thompson, a 6-1 guard out of Cherry Creek High School in Denver, Colo., announced through social media she will be signing with the Tigers.

Thompson
averaged 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists on a Cherry Creek team that
advanced to the 5A state finals before the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The
Fort Hays State women’s basketball team received another commitment for the 2020-21 season.
Carly Thompson, a 6-1 guard out of Cherry Creek High School in Denver, Colo., announced through social media she will be signing with the Tigers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586346355273.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson
averaged 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists on a Cherry Creek team that
advanced to the 5A state finals before the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

FHSU women's basketball receives commitment for 2020-21

D2Football.com announced on Tuesday its All-Decade Team for 2010-2019. The team consists of 50 of the finest players from Division II over the past decade. Fort Hays State kicker&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;was one of the 50 named to the team, earning a second-team selection at kicker.

See full team at the bottom of this release.

Brown, a Mississauga, Ontario native, joins Greg Zuerlein as the two kickers listed on the All-Decade Team, both representing the MIAA. On an interesting note, Brown and Zuerlein's collegiate stories have similar pathways.

Zuerlein closed out his collegiate career at Missouri Western in 2011, displaced when Nebraska-Omaha discontinued its football program in the spring of 2011 as a part of its move to NCAA Division I. Nebraska-Omaha was also a member of the MIAA at the time, so Zuerlein made the trek south on I-29, from Omaha to St. Joseph, to finish his collegiate career. He had the distinction of earning All-America honors at both schools (2009 at UNO, 2011 at MWSU, making 59 field goals and 169 PATs for 346 points over four years between the two schools. Zuerlein has gone on to a very successful career in the NFL, now a member of the Dallas Cowboys after eight straight seasons with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. He made a 57-yard game-winning kick in the 2019 NFC Championship Game to send the Rams to the Super Bowl, the longest game-winning kick in NFL Playoff history.

When St. Joseph's College (Ind.) closed its doors in the spring of 2017, Brown, like Zuerlein, was left searching for a new place to play. St. Joseph's was a member of Division II, part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Brown was nearly committed to play in his native country of Canada at the University of Western Ontario as a defensive back, but Fort Hays State contacted Brown with an offer a couple weeks prior to the start of the 2017 season. Brown took the opportunity at FHSU and turned it into gold, earning All-America honors for the Tigers as both a kicker and punter over his final three years of collegiate football.

When&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;arrived at FHSU, another Brown had a stronghold on the placekicker job, that being Brandon Brown, who went on to earn MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and All-America Honorable Mention honors in 2017. While Brandon was closing out a solid two-year career for the Tigers with 182 total kicking points, Dante's mark on the program was just beginning. Though he didn't serve as placekicker his first year at FHSU, Dante made an immediate impact for the Tigers as a punter averaging 43.5 yards per attempt for the second-best average in program history. It also netted him his first All-America honor while wearing the Black and Gold, helping the Tigers to a perfect 11-0 regular season and the No. 1 seed in Super Region 3 of the NCAA Playoffs.

Though he made his presence known as a punter in 2017, Brown had a massive impact for the Tigers in 2018 by taking on the role of both kicker and punter. Brown decimated the FHSU record for kicking points in a season with 123, breaking Brandon Brown's mark of 94 set just one year earlier. He knocked through 28-of-33 field goal attempts and added 39 PATs that year, while also averaging a solid 41.4 yards on his 67 punt attempts for the season and tying the longest punt in FHSU history (an 84-yard bomb). Brown's numbers were staggering for the year, just two field goal makes shy of the NCAA Division II single-season record of 30. He earned MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and All-America honors as a kicker from three organizations, while being named an All-America selection at both kicker and punter by the Don Hansen Football Committee. That netted him the distinction as Don Hansen's Division II National Special Teams Player of the Year, helping the Tigers to another appearance in the NCAA Playoffs.

Though Brown handed the workload at punter over to freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5593">Benjamin Donald</a>&nbsp;in 2019, he closed out a signature career at FHSU at kicker by earning All-America honors from five organizations that included four first team selections. Named the National Special Teams Player of the Year by the Don Hansen Football Committee for a second-straight year, he made 19 field goals alongside 52 PATs for 109 points on the season. Brown is the only FHSU kicker in history to break the 100-point barrier in a season, accomplishing it twice. He finished with 232 points in two years of holding the kicker role at FHSU, coming up just 12 points shy of career points leader&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1318">Drew O'Brien</a>, who enjoyed a strong four-year kicking career for the Tigers from 2012-15. He also finished second on the career punting average list at FHSU, averaging 42.4 yards per attempt over two years in the punter role.

Both Brown and Zuerlein stamped their legacy in Division II lore against perennial powerhouse Northwest Missouri State. Zuerlein finished his collegiate career by knocking through three field goals over 50 yards for Missouri Western in an NCAA Playoff game against their bitter rivals from just 30 minutes north, though NWMSU went on to win the game by six. The trio of field goals included a career-long 58-yarder. Brown on the other hand, drilled a career-long, pressure-packed 56-yard field goal as the clock expired to force overtime against the Bearcats on November 9, 2019 at Lewis Field Stadium, though the Tigers went on to fall by three in the thriller. Brown closed out his career with 10 PATs a week later, not attempting a field goal in a 91-7 drubbing of Northeastern State. Both players have the distinction of making their longest collegiate field goals in games where they took their final field goal attempt, both against the same opponent.

Though Zuerlein has already enjoyed a long and successful professional career, Brown may be on the verge of just beginning his, drawing the attention of several professional leagues as a 2020 prospect. It may be just a matter of time before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;is kicking at the professional level as well.

Brown finished his decorated three-year career at FHSU as a two-time National Special Teams Player of the Year and saw his name on All-America lists 10 times (5 organizations in 2019, 3 organizations in 2018, and 1 organization in 2017). Below is Brown's full list of accolades at FHSU.

• 2X Don Hansen Football Committee National Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)

• 2X Don Hansen Football Committee Super Region 3 Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)

• 2X MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)

• 2019 All-America First Team selection at kicker by D2CCA, AP, D2Football.com, Don Hansen Football Committee

• 2019 All-America Second Team selection at kicker by AFCA

• 2018 All-America First Team selection at kicker by Don Hansen Football Committee and D2CCA

• 2018 All-America Second Team selection at kicker by D2Football.com

• 2018 All-America Honorable Mention selection at punter by Don Hansen Football Committee

• 2017 All-America Honorable Mention selection at punter by Don Hansen Football Committee

• 2X All-MIAA First Team selection at kicker (2018 &amp; 2019) and All-MIAA First Team selection at punter (2018)

• 2X Finalist for Fred Mitchell Outstanding Placekicker Award

• FHSU career record holder for field goals made with 47

• FHSU single-season record holder for points (123 in 2018, field goals made (28 in 2018, and made PATs (52 in 2019)

• Led NCAA Division II in field goals made (28) and all NCAA levels in field goals made per game (2.33) in 2018

• Set MIAA record for field goals made in a season (28) in 2018

• 7X MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week (5 times in 2018, 2 times in 2019)

• Second in career punting average at FHSU with 42.4 yards per attempt.

D2Football.com All-Decade Team (2010-2019)

First Team QB-Jason Vander Laan-Ferris State RB-Franklyn Quiteh-Bloomsburg RB-Austin Ekeler-Western Colorado WR-Jeff Janis-Saginaw Valley WR-Billy Brown-Shepherd TE-Adam Shaheen-Ashland OL-Ryan Schraeder-Valdosta State OL-Garth Heikkinen-Minnesota Duluth OL-Ryan Jensen-CSU-Pueblo OL-Amini Silatolu-Midwestern State OL-Joe Long-Wayne State (Mich.) DL-Matt Judon-Grand Valley State DL-Brandon Williams-Missouri Southern DL-Jamie Meder-Ashland DL-Matt Longacre-Northwest Missouri State LB-Deon Lacey-West Alabama LB-Nate Dreiling-Pittsburg State LB-Connor Harris-Lindenwood DB-Malcolm Butler-West Alabama DB-Kyle Dugger-Lenoir-Rhyne DB-Rontez Miles-California (Pa.) DB-Pierre Desir-Lindenwood K-Greg Zuerlein-Missouri Western P-Taylor Accardi-Colorado School of Mines AP-John Brown-Pittsburg State

Second Team QB-Luis Perez-Texas A&amp;M-Commerce RB-Cameron McDondle-CSU-Pueblo RB-Ja'Quan Gardner-Humboldt State WR-Brody Oliver-Colorado Mines WR-Shane Zylstra-Minnesota State TE-Brian Leonhardt-Bemidji State OL-Alex Cappa-Humboldt State OL-Eric Kush-California (Pa.) OL-Brandon Fusco-Slippery Rock OL-Matt Armstrong-Grand Valley State OL-Trey Pipkens-Sioux Falls DL-Marcus Martin-Slippery Rock DL-Grover Stewart-Albany State DL-Cedric Thornton-Southern Arkansas DL-Zach Sieler-Ferris State LB-Larry Dean-Valdosta State LB-Adam Bighill-Central Washington LB-Carlos Fields-Winston-Salem DB-Janoris Jenkins-North Alabama DB-Jeff Heath-Saginaw Valley DB-Tavierre Thomas-Ferris State DB-Brandon Dixon-Northwest Missouri State K-<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>-Fort Hays State P-Randy Weich-Wayne State (Neb.) AP-Deonte Harris-Assumption&nbsp;&nbsp;

D2Football.com announced on Tuesday its All-Decade Team for 2010-2019. The team consists of 50 of the finest players from Division II over the past decade. Fort Hays State kicker&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;was one of the 50 named to the team, earning a second-team selection at kicker.See full team at the bottom of this release.Brown, a Mississauga, Ontario native, joins Greg Zuerlein as the two kickers listed on the All-Decade Team, both representing the MIAA. On an interesting note, Brown and Zuerlein's collegiate stories have similar pathways.Zuerlein closed out his collegiate career at Missouri Western in 2011, displaced when Nebraska-Omaha discontinued its football program in the spring of 2011 as a part of its move to NCAA Division I. Nebraska-Omaha was also a member of the MIAA at the time, so Zuerlein made the trek south on I-29, from Omaha to St. Joseph, to finish his collegiate career. He had the distinction of earning All-America honors at both schools (2009 at UNO, 2011 at MWSU, making 59 field goals and 169 PATs for 346 points over four years between the two schools. Zuerlein has gone on to a very successful career in the NFL, now a member of the Dallas Cowboys after eight straight seasons with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. He made a 57-yard game-winning kick in the 2019 NFC Championship Game to send the Rams to the Super Bowl, the longest game-winning kick in NFL Playoff history.When St. Joseph's College (Ind.) closed its doors in the spring of 2017, Brown, like Zuerlein, was left searching for a new place to play. St. Joseph's was a member of Division II, part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Brown was nearly committed to play in his native country of Canada at the University of Western Ontario as a defensive back, but Fort Hays State contacted Brown with an offer a couple weeks prior to the start of the 2017 season. Brown took the opportunity at FHSU and turned it into gold, earning All-America honors for the Tigers as both a kicker and punter over his final three years of collegiate football.When&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;arrived at FHSU, another Brown had a stronghold on the placekicker job, that being Brandon Brown, who went on to earn MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and All-America Honorable Mention honors in 2017. While Brandon was closing out a solid two-year career for the Tigers with 182 total kicking points, Dante's mark on the program was just beginning. Though he didn't serve as placekicker his first year at FHSU, Dante made an immediate impact for the Tigers as a punter averaging 43.5 yards per attempt for the second-best average in program history. It also netted him his first All-America honor while wearing the Black and Gold, helping the Tigers to a perfect 11-0 regular season and the No. 1 seed in Super Region 3 of the NCAA Playoffs.Though he made his presence known as a punter in 2017, Brown had a massive impact for the Tigers in 2018 by taking on the role of both kicker and punter. Brown decimated the FHSU record for kicking points in a season with 123, breaking Brandon Brown's mark of 94 set just one year earlier. He knocked through 28-of-33 field goal attempts and added 39 PATs that year, while also averaging a solid 41.4 yards on his 67 punt attempts for the season and tying the longest punt in FHSU history (an 84-yard bomb). Brown's numbers were staggering for the year, just two field goal makes shy of the NCAA Division II single-season record of 30. He earned MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and All-America honors as a kicker from three organizations, while being named an All-America selection at both kicker and punter by the Don Hansen Football Committee. That netted him the distinction as Don Hansen's Division II National Special Teams Player of the Year, helping the Tigers to another appearance in the NCAA Playoffs.Though Brown handed the workload at punter over to freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5593">Benjamin Donald</a>&nbsp;in 2019, he closed out a signature career at FHSU at kicker by earning All-America honors from five organizations that included four first team selections. Named the National Special Teams Player of the Year by the Don Hansen Football Committee for a second-straight year, he made 19 field goals alongside 52 PATs for 109 points on the season. Brown is the only FHSU kicker in history to break the 100-point barrier in a season, accomplishing it twice. He finished with 232 points in two years of holding the kicker role at FHSU, coming up just 12 points shy of career points leader&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1318">Drew O'Brien</a>, who enjoyed a strong four-year kicking career for the Tigers from 2012-15. He also finished second on the career punting average list at FHSU, averaging 42.4 yards per attempt over two years in the punter role.Both Brown and Zuerlein stamped their legacy in Division II lore against perennial powerhouse Northwest Missouri State. Zuerlein finished his collegiate career by knocking through three field goals over 50 yards for Missouri Western in an NCAA Playoff game against their bitter rivals from just 30 minutes north, though NWMSU went on to win the game by six. The trio of field goals included a career-long 58-yarder. Brown on the other hand, drilled a career-long, pressure-packed 56-yard field goal as the clock expired to force overtime against the Bearcats on November 9, 2019 at Lewis Field Stadium, though the Tigers went on to fall by three in the thriller. Brown closed out his career with 10 PATs a week later, not attempting a field goal in a 91-7 drubbing of Northeastern State. Both players have the distinction of making their longest collegiate field goals in games where they took their final field goal attempt, both against the same opponent.Though Zuerlein has already enjoyed a long and successful professional career, Brown may be on the verge of just beginning his, drawing the attention of several professional leagues as a 2020 prospect. It may be just a matter of time before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>&nbsp;is kicking at the professional level as well.Brown finished his decorated three-year career at FHSU as a two-time National Special Teams Player of the Year and saw his name on All-America lists 10 times (5 organizations in 2019, 3 organizations in 2018, and 1 organization in 2017). Below is Brown's full list of accolades at FHSU.Career Accolades• 2X Don Hansen Football Committee National Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)• 2X Don Hansen Football Committee Super Region 3 Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)• 2X MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year (2018 &amp; 2019)• 2019 All-America First Team selection at kicker by D2CCA, AP, D2Football.com, Don Hansen Football Committee• 2019 All-America Second Team selection at kicker by AFCA• 2018 All-America First Team selection at kicker by Don Hansen Football Committee and D2CCA• 2018 All-America Second Team selection at kicker by D2Football.com• 2018 All-America Honorable Mention selection at punter by Don Hansen Football Committee• 2017 All-America Honorable Mention selection at punter by Don Hansen Football Committee• 2X All-MIAA First Team selection at kicker (2018 &amp; 2019) and All-MIAA First Team selection at punter (2018)• 2017 All-MIAA Third Team at punter• 2X Finalist for Fred Mitchell Outstanding Placekicker Award• FHSU career record holder for field goals made with 47• FHSU single-season record holder for points (123 in 2018, field goals made (28 in 2018, and made PATs (52 in 2019)• Led NCAA Division II in field goals made (28) and all NCAA levels in field goals made per game (2.33) in 2018• Set MIAA record for field goals made in a season (28) in 2018• 7X MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week (5 times in 2018, 2 times in 2019)• Second in career punting average at FHSU with 42.4 yards per attempt.

D2Football.com All-Decade Team (2010-2019)First Team QB-Jason Vander Laan-Ferris State RB-Franklyn Quiteh-Bloomsburg RB-Austin Ekeler-Western Colorado WR-Jeff Janis-Saginaw Valley WR-Billy Brown-Shepherd TE-Adam Shaheen-Ashland OL-Ryan Schraeder-Valdosta State OL-Garth Heikkinen-Minnesota Duluth OL-Ryan Jensen-CSU-Pueblo OL-Amini Silatolu-Midwestern State OL-Joe Long-Wayne State (Mich.) DL-Matt Judon-Grand Valley State DL-Brandon Williams-Missouri Southern DL-Jamie Meder-Ashland DL-Matt Longacre-Northwest Missouri State LB-Deon Lacey-West Alabama LB-Nate Dreiling-Pittsburg State LB-Connor Harris-Lindenwood DB-Malcolm Butler-West Alabama DB-Kyle Dugger-Lenoir-Rhyne DB-Rontez Miles-California (Pa.) DB-Pierre Desir-Lindenwood K-Greg Zuerlein-Missouri Western P-Taylor Accardi-Colorado School of Mines AP-John Brown-Pittsburg State

Second Team QB-Luis Perez-Texas A&amp;M-Commerce RB-Cameron McDondle-CSU-Pueblo RB-Ja'Quan Gardner-Humboldt State WR-Brody Oliver-Colorado Mines WR-Shane Zylstra-Minnesota State TE-Brian Leonhardt-Bemidji State OL-Alex Cappa-Humboldt State OL-Eric Kush-California (Pa.) OL-Brandon Fusco-Slippery Rock OL-Matt Armstrong-Grand Valley State OL-Trey Pipkens-Sioux Falls DL-Marcus Martin-Slippery Rock DL-Grover Stewart-Albany State DL-Cedric Thornton-Southern Arkansas DL-Zach Sieler-Ferris State LB-Larry Dean-Valdosta State LB-Adam Bighill-Central Washington LB-Carlos Fields-Winston-Salem DB-Janoris Jenkins-North Alabama DB-Jeff Heath-Saginaw Valley DB-Tavierre Thomas-Ferris State DB-Brandon Dixon-Northwest Missouri State K-<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5067">Dante Brown</a>-Fort Hays State P-Randy Weich-Wayne State (Neb.) AP-Deonte Harris-Assumption&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU's Dante Brown named to D2Football.com All-Decade Team

The Mid-Continent League has released their all-league basketball teams for the 2019-20 seasons.

The boys first team is led by seniors Jared Casey of Plainville, Zachary Eck of Ellis and TMP-Marian's Carson Jacobs. They're joined by juniors Brady Frickey of Ellis and Ty Sides of Phillipsburg.

Frickey led the MCL in scoring at 17.2 points per game with Eck second at 15.3 per contest. Casey and Eck are repeat first team selections from last season.

The girls' first team has two seniors, Aubree Dewey of Plainville and Jordyn Lowrie of Oakley. Trego's Lili Shubert and Grace Eck of Ellis are the two juniors joined by freshman Taryn Sides of Phillipsburg.

Dewey, Shubert, Lowrie and Eck are repeat first team selections from last season.

Below is a complete list of the boys and girls All-MCL teams.

BOYS First Team Jared Casey-Plainville, Sr.* Zachary Eck-Ellis, Sr.* Carson Jacobs-TMP-Marian, Sr. Brady Frickey-Ellis, Jr. Ty Sides-Phillipsburg, Jr. * First team selection in 2018-19 Second Team Kade Melvin-Norton, Sr. Harlan Obioha-Hoxie, Jr. Jackson Schulte, TMP-Marian, Jr. Ethan Means-Stockton, Jr. Charlie Russell-Trego, So.

Honorable Mention Dalen Journigan-Hill City, Sr. Trenton Colby-Smith Center, Sr. Carter Minson-Trego, Sr. Austin Miller-Phillipsburg, Sr. Jonah Ruder-Norton, Jr.

GIRLS First Team Aubrey Dewey-Plainville, Sr.* Jordyn Lowrie-Oakley, Sr.* Lili Shubert-Trego, Jr.* Grace Eck-Ellis, Jr.* Taryn Sides-Phillipsburg, Fr. * First team selection in 2018-19

Second Team Addie Campbell-Hoxie, Sr. Libby Frost-Trego, Sr. Tessa Hauser-Norton, Jr. Tallon Rentschler-Smith Center, So. Emilee Lane-TMP, So.

Honorable Mention Emily Schneider-Phillipsburg, Sr. Shae Griffon-Stockton, Sr. Rylee Werth-Ellis, Sr. Kristin Wells-Phillipsburg, Sr. Bree Frieling-Smith Center, Sr. Hannay Bailey-Norton, Jr.

The Mid-Continent League has released their all-league basketball teams for the 2019-20 seasons.The boys first team is led by seniors Jared Casey of Plainville, Zachary Eck of Ellis and TMP-Marian's Carson Jacobs. They're joined by juniors Brady Frickey of Ellis and Ty Sides of Phillipsburg.Frickey led the MCL in scoring at 17.2 points per game with Eck second at 15.3 per contest. Casey and Eck are repeat first team selections from last season.The girls' first team has two seniors, Aubree Dewey of Plainville and Jordyn Lowrie of Oakley. Trego's Lili Shubert and Grace Eck of Ellis are the two juniors joined by freshman Taryn Sides of Phillipsburg.Dewey, Shubert, Lowrie and Eck are repeat first team selections from last season.Below is a complete list of the boys and girls All-MCL teams.BOYS First Team Jared Casey-Plainville, Sr.* Zachary Eck-Ellis, Sr.* Carson Jacobs-TMP-Marian, Sr. Brady Frickey-Ellis, Jr. Ty Sides-Phillipsburg, Jr. * First team selection in 2018-19 Second Team Kade Melvin-Norton, Sr. Harlan Obioha-Hoxie, Jr. Jackson Schulte, TMP-Marian, Jr. Ethan Means-Stockton, Jr. Charlie Russell-Trego, So.Honorable Mention Dalen Journigan-Hill City, Sr. Trenton Colby-Smith Center, Sr. Carter Minson-Trego, Sr. Austin Miller-Phillipsburg, Sr. Jonah Ruder-Norton, Jr.GIRLS First Team Aubrey Dewey-Plainville, Sr.* Jordyn Lowrie-Oakley, Sr.* Lili Shubert-Trego, Jr.* Grace Eck-Ellis, Jr.* Taryn Sides-Phillipsburg, Fr. * First team selection in 2018-19Second Team Addie Campbell-Hoxie, Sr. Libby Frost-Trego, Sr. Tessa Hauser-Norton, Jr. Tallon Rentschler-Smith Center, So. Emilee Lane-TMP, So.Honorable Mention Emily Schneider-Phillipsburg, Sr. Shae Griffon-Stockton, Sr. Rylee Werth-Ellis, Sr. Kristin Wells-Phillipsburg, Sr. Bree Frieling-Smith Center, Sr. Hannay Bailey-Norton, Jr.

MCL announces all-league basketball teams

Hays High’s Dylan Ruder has announced on social media that he will continue his basketball career at Kansas Wesleyan. Ruder tweeting Monday that he will sign with the Coyotes.

As a senior, the 6-10 Ruder averaged 6.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

Ruder was a part of an Indian team that advanced to the semifinals of the 5A State Tournament before it was canceled due to COVID-19.

Hays High’s Dylan Ruder has announced on social media that he will continue his basketball career at Kansas Wesleyan. Ruder tweeting Monday that he will sign with the Coyotes.As a senior, the 6-10 Ruder averaged 6.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586260236055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruder was a part of an Indian team that advanced to the semifinals of the 5A State Tournament before it was canceled due to COVID-19.

HHS' Ruder commits to Kansas Wesleyan

The NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame have announced the 52 players and two head coaches selected to the 2010s All-Decade Team. Tom Brady, 42 and starting over with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was one of just eight players unanimously voted to the squad. (For the full list of honorees, check out the bottom of this file.) Tampa might be unfamiliar to Brady, but the honor is not. Not surprisingly, Brady was also a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team.

Peyton Manning was the other quarterback joining Brady on the 2000s team. For the 2010s, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 48-member selection committee chose Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers. Brady and Rodgers led their respective teams to the top win-loss records of the decade, including the postseason, and both teams won Super Bowls in the decade -- Rodgers in the 2010 season and Brady in '14, '16 and '18.

Left off the list, which allowed just two quarterbacks: Drew Brees, who set the career record for pass completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage in the 2010s. His omission is the most glaring of the list, and likely came because, despite Brees' own outstanding play, the Saints' lone Super Bowl championship came in the previous decade (2009) and New Orleans missed the playoffs four times during the 2010s.

The other unanimous picks represent a who's who of the biggest NFL stars of the last 10 years -- and a pretty good preview of who'll headline future Hall of Fame classes: defensive tackle Aaron Donald, linebacker Von Miller, running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Joe Thomas, kicker Justin Tucker, defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive guard Marshal Yanda.

The best news of all for fans: The majority of players on the All-Decade Team are still active heading into the 2020 season.

Donald is one of 12 players who played primarily in the NFC West during the decade, making that division the most well-represented. That shouldn't be a surprise. The NFC West has sent a team to five of the last eight Super Bowls. The Arizona Cardinals had four players on the list (Calais Campbell, Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, Chandler Jones) and the San Francisco 49ers had three (Frank Gore, Joe Staley, Patrick Willis). The Seahawks, who went to the Super Bowl in the 2013 and '14 campaigns, are the most-represented NFC West team, with five members, including three from the "Legion of Boom" defense: Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Marshawn Lynch and coach Pete Carroll.

Carroll, who led the Seahawks to eight playoff berths and one championship in the decade, is one of two coaches on the team. The other is, of course, Bill Belichick, whose Patriots went to the playoffs every year of the 2010s, and advanced to five Super Bowls, winning three times, including once over the Seahawks. Belichick is one of just two coaches in NFL history to be on two All-Decade Teams. The other is former Steelers coach Chuck Noll, a four-time Super Bowl winner who was on the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams.

Together, Belichick and Brady dominated the NFL for 20 years, and they are two of the five people on the 2010s team who also were on the 2000s team. Devin Hester, Shane Lechler and Julius Peppers are the others. For all of their dominance, the Patriots developed a reputation of featuring players who were perfect for their roles and, other than Brady, only occasionally boasting the league's best talents at their respective positions. Not quite.

Eight guys on the list played for the Patriots, the most of any team, although their tenures stretched from lifetime -- Rob Gronkowski, who was named to the NFL' All-Time Team last year -- to eyeblink, in the case of Antonio Brown, who played one game for the Patriots before being released. Brown made this 2010s team because of his stellar play with the Steelers. The other players with Patriots ties on the list: Stephen Gostkowski (who had the unenviable task of replacing Adam Vinatieri, a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, Cordarrelle Patterson (who played 15 regular-season games with the Patriots during the decade, Darrelle Revis (16 games, Logan Mankins (50) and Chandler Jones (55).

After Brady's signing with the Bucs and Gostkowski's release this offseason, only Belichick remains from the greatest dynasty the modern NFL has seen.

The team that has a chance to be the next dynasty -- the Kansas City Chiefs -- placed six players on the roster, second only to the Patriots: Eric Berry, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Tyrann Mathieu, LeSean McCoy and Revis.

And one player earned a singular -- actually dual -- honor. Darren Sproles was selected to the team at two positions -- punt returner and offensive flex player, which is someone who fills multiple offensive roles -- becoming just the fourth player in history to be named to an All-Decade Team at multiple positions. The others are Mel Gray (kick returner and punt returner in the 1990s, Dante Hall (kick returner and punt returner in the 2000s) and Deion Sanders (cornerback and punt returner in the 1990s).

2010s ALL-DECADE TEAM ROSTER * denotes a unanimous selection OFFENSE QB Tom Brady *QB Aaron Rodgers RB Frank Gore RB Marshawn Lynch RB LeSean McCoy RB Adrian Peterson *WR Antonio Brown WR Larry Fitzgerald WR Calvin Johnson WR Julio Jones FLEX Darren Sproles TE Rob Gronkowski TE Travis Kelce OT Jason Peters OT Tyron Smith OT Joe Staley OT Joe Thomas *OG Jahri Evans OG Logan Mankins OG Zack Martin OG Marshal Yanda *C Alex Mack C Maurkice Pouncey DEFENSE DE Calais Campbell DE Cameron Jordan DE Julius Peppers DE J.J. Watt *DT Geno Atkins DT Fletcher Cox DT Aaron Donald *DT Ndamukong Suh LB Chandler Jones LB Luke Kuechly LB Khalil Mack LB Von Miller *LB Bobby Wagner LB Patrick Willis CB Patrick Peterson CB Darrelle Revis CB Richard Sherman S Eric Berry S Earl Thomas S Eric Weddle DB Chris Harris Jr. DB Tyrann Mathieu SPECIALIST SP Johnny Hekker P Shane Lechler K Stephen Gostkowski K Justin Tucker *PR Tyreek Hill PR Darren Sproles KR Devin Hester KR Cordarrelle Patterson COACHES Bill Belichick Pete Carroll NFL Press Release

The NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame have announced the 52 players and two head coaches selected to the 2010s All-Decade Team. Tom Brady, 42 and starting over with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was one of just eight players unanimously voted to the squad. (For the full list of honorees, check out the bottom of this file.) Tampa might be unfamiliar to Brady, but the honor is not. Not surprisingly, Brady was also a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team.Peyton Manning was the other quarterback joining Brady on the 2000s team. For the 2010s, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 48-member selection committee chose Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers. Brady and Rodgers led their respective teams to the top win-loss records of the decade, including the postseason, and both teams won Super Bowls in the decade -- Rodgers in the 2010 season and Brady in '14, '16 and '18.Left off the list, which allowed just two quarterbacks: Drew Brees, who set the career record for pass completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage in the 2010s. His omission is the most glaring of the list, and likely came because, despite Brees' own outstanding play, the Saints' lone Super Bowl championship came in the previous decade (2009) and New Orleans missed the playoffs four times during the 2010s.The other unanimous picks represent a who's who of the biggest NFL stars of the last 10 years -- and a pretty good preview of who'll headline future Hall of Fame classes: defensive tackle Aaron Donald, linebacker Von Miller, running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Joe Thomas, kicker Justin Tucker, defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive guard Marshal Yanda.The best news of all for fans: The majority of players on the All-Decade Team are still active heading into the 2020 season.Donald is one of 12 players who played primarily in the NFC West during the decade, making that division the most well-represented. That shouldn't be a surprise. The NFC West has sent a team to five of the last eight Super Bowls. The Arizona Cardinals had four players on the list (Calais Campbell, Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, Chandler Jones) and the San Francisco 49ers had three (Frank Gore, Joe Staley, Patrick Willis). The Seahawks, who went to the Super Bowl in the 2013 and '14 campaigns, are the most-represented NFC West team, with five members, including three from the "Legion of Boom" defense: Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Marshawn Lynch and coach Pete Carroll.Carroll, who led the Seahawks to eight playoff berths and one championship in the decade, is one of two coaches on the team. The other is, of course, Bill Belichick, whose Patriots went to the playoffs every year of the 2010s, and advanced to five Super Bowls, winning three times, including once over the Seahawks. Belichick is one of just two coaches in NFL history to be on two All-Decade Teams. The other is former Steelers coach Chuck Noll, a four-time Super Bowl winner who was on the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams.Together, Belichick and Brady dominated the NFL for 20 years, and they are two of the five people on the 2010s team who also were on the 2000s team. Devin Hester, Shane Lechler and Julius Peppers are the others. For all of their dominance, the Patriots developed a reputation of featuring players who were perfect for their roles and, other than Brady, only occasionally boasting the league's best talents at their respective positions. Not quite.Eight guys on the list played for the Patriots, the most of any team, although their tenures stretched from lifetime -- Rob Gronkowski, who was named to the NFL' All-Time Team last year -- to eyeblink, in the case of Antonio Brown, who played one game for the Patriots before being released. Brown made this 2010s team because of his stellar play with the Steelers. The other players with Patriots ties on the list: Stephen Gostkowski (who had the unenviable task of replacing Adam Vinatieri, a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, Cordarrelle Patterson (who played 15 regular-season games with the Patriots during the decade, Darrelle Revis (16 games, Logan Mankins (50) and Chandler Jones (55).After Brady's signing with the Bucs and Gostkowski's release this offseason, only Belichick remains from the greatest dynasty the modern NFL has seen.The team that has a chance to be the next dynasty -- the Kansas City Chiefs -- placed six players on the roster, second only to the Patriots: Eric Berry, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Tyrann Mathieu, LeSean McCoy and Revis.And one player earned a singular -- actually dual -- honor. Darren Sproles was selected to the team at two positions -- punt returner and offensive flex player, which is someone who fills multiple offensive roles -- becoming just the fourth player in history to be named to an All-Decade Team at multiple positions. The others are Mel Gray (kick returner and punt returner in the 1990s, Dante Hall (kick returner and punt returner in the 2000s) and Deion Sanders (cornerback and punt returner in the 1990s).2010s ALL-DECADE TEAM ROSTER * denotes a unanimous selection OFFENSE QB Tom Brady *QB Aaron Rodgers RB Frank Gore RB Marshawn Lynch RB LeSean McCoy RB Adrian Peterson *WR Antonio Brown WR Larry Fitzgerald WR Calvin Johnson WR Julio Jones FLEX Darren Sproles TE Rob Gronkowski TE Travis Kelce OT Jason Peters OT Tyron Smith OT Joe Staley OT Joe Thomas *OG Jahri Evans OG Logan Mankins OG Zack Martin OG Marshal Yanda *C Alex Mack C Maurkice Pouncey DEFENSE DE Calais Campbell DE Cameron Jordan DE Julius Peppers DE J.J. Watt *DT Geno Atkins DT Fletcher Cox DT Aaron Donald *DT Ndamukong Suh LB Chandler Jones LB Luke Kuechly LB Khalil Mack LB Von Miller *LB Bobby Wagner LB Patrick Willis CB Patrick Peterson CB Darrelle Revis CB Richard Sherman S Eric Berry S Earl Thomas S Eric Weddle DB Chris Harris Jr. DB Tyrann Mathieu SPECIALIST SP Johnny Hekker P Shane Lechler K Stephen Gostkowski K Justin Tucker *PR Tyreek Hill PR Darren Sproles KR Devin Hester KR Cordarrelle Patterson COACHES Bill Belichick Pete Carroll NFL Press Release

Six current or former Chiefs on NFL's 2010s All-Decade team

The NFL draft will be conducted in a virtual format, with team personnel working from their homes.

In a memo sent to the 32 teams Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell outlined procedures for the April 23-25 draft. The guidelines include no group gatherings.

“We have reviewed this matter in the past few days with both the competition committee and CEC (a group of league executives,” Goodell wrote, “and this will confirm that clubs will conduct their draft operations remotely, with club personnel separately located in their homes.”

All team facilities were closed on March 26 and Goodell has ordered them to remain shut indefinitely.

“We will reopen facilities when it is safe to do so based on medical and public health advice, and in compliance with government mandates,” he wrote.

The draft originally was scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, but the NFL canceled all public events last month as a safeguard against the coronavirus. On Monday, Goodell instructed the teams on how they should plan to make their selections.

“We have made this decision for several reasons,” he wrote. "All clubs will not have access to their facilities, which is contrary to the fundamental equity principle that all clubs operate in a consistent and fair way.

“Moreover, we want all NFL personnel to comply with government directives and to model safe and appropriate health practices. Our staff will carry out its responsibilities in the same way, operating in separate locations outside of our offices. And after consulting with medical advisers, we cannot identify an alternative that is preferable from a medical or public health perspective, given the varying needs of clubs, the need properly to screen participants, and the unique risk factors that individual club employees may face.”

Several team general managers had sought a delay in the draft, basically citing an unfair playing field. But the owners pushed for the draft, the NFL's biggest offseason event, to take place as scheduled. It is up to each team to ensure not only safe and healthy conditions, but to offset any perceived competitive imbalance under the guidelines set forth by Goodell.

“We are operating in an environment unlike anything we have experienced before,” Goodell added, “one that requires flexibility, patience, and cooperation.”

Plans for televising the draft have not been finalized, though it is expected that ESPN and NFL Network will do so, perhaps in a joint effort.

By the Associated PressThe NFL draft will be conducted in a virtual format, with team personnel working from their homes.In a memo sent to the 32 teams Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell outlined procedures for the April 23-25 draft. The guidelines include no group gatherings.“We have reviewed this matter in the past few days with both the competition committee and CEC (a group of league executives,” Goodell wrote, “and this will confirm that clubs will conduct their draft operations remotely, with club personnel separately located in their homes.”All team facilities were closed on March 26 and Goodell has ordered them to remain shut indefinitely.“We will reopen facilities when it is safe to do so based on medical and public health advice, and in compliance with government mandates,” he wrote.The draft originally was scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, but the NFL canceled all public events last month as a safeguard against the coronavirus. On Monday, Goodell instructed the teams on how they should plan to make their selections.“We have made this decision for several reasons,” he wrote. "All clubs will not have access to their facilities, which is contrary to the fundamental equity principle that all clubs operate in a consistent and fair way.“Moreover, we want all NFL personnel to comply with government directives and to model safe and appropriate health practices. Our staff will carry out its responsibilities in the same way, operating in separate locations outside of our offices. And after consulting with medical advisers, we cannot identify an alternative that is preferable from a medical or public health perspective, given the varying needs of clubs, the need properly to screen participants, and the unique risk factors that individual club employees may face.”Several team general managers had sought a delay in the draft, basically citing an unfair playing field. But the owners pushed for the draft, the NFL's biggest offseason event, to take place as scheduled. It is up to each team to ensure not only safe and healthy conditions, but to offset any perceived competitive imbalance under the guidelines set forth by Goodell.“We are operating in an environment unlike anything we have experienced before,” Goodell added, “one that requires flexibility, patience, and cooperation.”Plans for televising the draft have not been finalized, though it is expected that ESPN and NFL Network will do so, perhaps in a joint effort.

NFL going with virtual format for upcoming draft



MANHEIM, Pa. - Six student-athletes representing the Fort Hays State wrestling team earned Scholar All-American honors from the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA, announced Monday by the association. As a team, the Tigers recorded the ninth-best GPA in Division II, posting a team grade point average of 3.303.

In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II Scholar All-American Team, he must have a minimum 3.4 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with that benchmark at 3.2 for those who qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The athlete must also have competed in a minimum of five dates of competition.

Four of the five Tigers who qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships received the honor, including senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>, junior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;and redshirt-freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>. Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;also earned the award, both doing so for the second year in a row.

Ball was one of 11 student-athletes in the country who received the honor for the fourth consecutive year, while Vajnar is one of just 11 qualifying wrestlers in Division II to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA.

This is the fourth year in a row the Tigers have had at least six student-athletes receive Scholar All-American honors. It is the first time the Tigers have been ranked in the top 20 in team GPA since the 2016-17 season, when FHSU ranked eighth.

NWCA Division II Scholar All-American Honorees Name YearWeight ClassMajorGPA <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sr.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;141&nbsp; Technology Studies (Teaching K-12)&nbsp; 3.81 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 184&nbsp; Criminal Justice&nbsp; 3.11 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;149&nbsp; Technology Studies&nbsp; 3.64 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;R-Fr. 125&nbsp; Health and Human Performance&nbsp; 3.60 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;165&nbsp; Accounting&nbsp; 4.00 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;Jr.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 174&nbsp; Health and Human Performance&nbsp; 3.18 NWCA Division II Scholar All-American Team Top 20 Rank Team GPA 1. Maryville University 3.695 2. University of Indianapolis 3.513 3. Colorado School of Mines 3.384 4. Colorado Mesa 3.343 5. Augustana University 3.336 6. Mercyhurst University 3.334 7. Drury University 3.334 8. University of Nebraska at Kearney 3.310 9. Fort Hays State University 3.303 10. Newman University 3.269 11. Minnesota State University, Mankato 3.262 12. Northern State University 3.261 13. Urbana University 3.260 14. Chadron State College 3.222 15. Findlay 3.189 16. Gannon University 3.170 17. Ashland University 3.145 18. Seton Hill University 3.142 19. UW-Parkside 3.111 20. CSU Pueblo 3.083

MANHEIM, Pa. - Six student-athletes representing the Fort Hays State wrestling team earned Scholar All-American honors from the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA, announced Monday by the association. As a team, the Tigers recorded the ninth-best GPA in Division II, posting a team grade point average of 3.303.In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II Scholar All-American Team, he must have a minimum 3.4 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with that benchmark at 3.2 for those who qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The athlete must also have competed in a minimum of five dates of competition.Four of the five Tigers who qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships received the honor, including senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>, junior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;and redshirt-freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>. Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;also earned the award, both doing so for the second year in a row.Ball was one of 11 student-athletes in the country who received the honor for the fourth consecutive year, while Vajnar is one of just 11 qualifying wrestlers in Division II to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA.This is the fourth year in a row the Tigers have had at least six student-athletes receive Scholar All-American honors. It is the first time the Tigers have been ranked in the top 20 in team GPA since the 2016-17 season, when FHSU ranked eighth.NWCA Division II Scholar All-American Honorees Name YearWeight ClassMajorGPA <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sr.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;141&nbsp; Technology Studies (Teaching K-12)&nbsp; 3.81 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 184&nbsp; Criminal Justice&nbsp; 3.11 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5396">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;149&nbsp; Technology Studies&nbsp; 3.64 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;R-Fr. 125&nbsp; Health and Human Performance&nbsp; 3.60 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;165&nbsp; Accounting&nbsp; 4.00 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;Jr.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 174&nbsp; Health and Human Performance&nbsp; 3.18 NWCA Division II Scholar All-American Team Top 20 Rank Team GPA 1. Maryville University 3.695 2. University of Indianapolis 3.513 3. Colorado School of Mines 3.384 4. Colorado Mesa 3.343 5. Augustana University 3.336 6. Mercyhurst University 3.334 7. Drury University 3.334 8. University of Nebraska at Kearney 3.310 9. Fort Hays State University 3.303 10. Newman University 3.269 11. Minnesota State University, Mankato 3.262 12. Northern State University 3.261 13. Urbana University 3.260 14. Chadron State College 3.222 15. Findlay 3.189 16. Gannon University 3.170 17. Ashland University 3.145 18. Seton Hill University 3.142 19. UW-Parkside 3.111 20. CSU Pueblo 3.083

Six FHSU wrestlers named Scholar All-American

The British Open will not be played this year for the first time since 1945, golf officials announced Monday as they tried to reconfigure a major championship schedule that would end with the Masters being played two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Still to be determined is when — or even if — golf can resume depending on the spread of COVID-19 that has shut down sports worldwide.

The R&amp;A announced that the British Open, scheduled for July 16-19 at Royal St. George’s in England, will be pushed back until July 15-18 in 2021, leaving the 150th Open for St. Andrews in 2022.

“I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year, but it is not going to be possible,” R&amp;A chief Martin Slumbers said.

The Masters, which was supposed to start Thursday, was rescheduled for Nov. 12-15. That would follow the PGA Championship on Aug. 6-9 at Harding Park in San Francisco and the U.S. Open — still at Winged Foot — for Sept. 17-20.

Golf’s major organizations have been trying to piece together a puzzle for the last three weeks and each agreed to announce their schedules at the same time in a show of collaboration. Still missing is the starting line.

The PGA Tour has the most moving parts, and it tentatively has planned to complete its FedEx Cup season close to schedule, with the Tour Championship wrapping up the postseason run on Labor Day.

“We hope the anticipation of staging the Masters Tournament in the fall brings a moment of joy to the Augusta community and all those who love the sport,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said. “We want to emphasize that our future plans are incumbent upon favorable counsel and direction from health officials.”

Ridley said every player who has received invitations to play the Masters in April will stay on the list, with more details to be sorted out later. He also said the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was canceled, and every player can keep their spots for next year provided they don’t turn pro.

Winged Foot just north of New York City is about 5 miles away from a hot spot for the new coronavirus. Construction for the U.S. Open was stopped two weeks ago as the USGA trying to determine its best course. For now, it’s to stay in New York with a September date.

The U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club and the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Brooklawn Country Club in Connecticut have been canceled.

The PGA Championship, which last year moved to May for the first time in some 70 years, returns to August at Harding Park. That would precede the PGA Tour’s end-of-season run of the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina, The Northern Trust outside Boston, the BMW Championship in Chicago and the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

By the Associated PressThe British Open will not be played this year for the first time since 1945, golf officials announced Monday as they tried to reconfigure a major championship schedule that would end with the Masters being played two weeks before Thanksgiving.Still to be determined is when — or even if — golf can resume depending on the spread of COVID-19 that has shut down sports worldwide.The R&amp;A announced that the British Open, scheduled for July 16-19 at Royal St. George’s in England, will be pushed back until July 15-18 in 2021, leaving the 150th Open for St. Andrews in 2022.“I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year, but it is not going to be possible,” R&amp;A chief Martin Slumbers said.The Masters, which was supposed to start Thursday, was rescheduled for Nov. 12-15. That would follow the PGA Championship on Aug. 6-9 at Harding Park in San Francisco and the U.S. Open — still at Winged Foot — for Sept. 17-20.Golf’s major organizations have been trying to piece together a puzzle for the last three weeks and each agreed to announce their schedules at the same time in a show of collaboration. Still missing is the starting line.The PGA Tour has the most moving parts, and it tentatively has planned to complete its FedEx Cup season close to schedule, with the Tour Championship wrapping up the postseason run on Labor Day.“We hope the anticipation of staging the Masters Tournament in the fall brings a moment of joy to the Augusta community and all those who love the sport,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said. “We want to emphasize that our future plans are incumbent upon favorable counsel and direction from health officials.”Ridley said every player who has received invitations to play the Masters in April will stay on the list, with more details to be sorted out later. He also said the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was canceled, and every player can keep their spots for next year provided they don’t turn pro.Winged Foot just north of New York City is about 5 miles away from a hot spot for the new coronavirus. Construction for the U.S. Open was stopped two weeks ago as the USGA trying to determine its best course. For now, it’s to stay in New York with a September date.The U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club and the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Brooklawn Country Club in Connecticut have been canceled.The PGA Championship, which last year moved to May for the first time in some 70 years, returns to August at Harding Park. That would precede the PGA Tour’s end-of-season run of the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina, The Northern Trust outside Boston, the BMW Championship in Chicago and the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

British Open canceled, Masters moved to November in major rescheduling

Former Maize High standout guard Caleb Grill has announced through social media he is transferring to UNLV. Grill considered attending UNLV a year ago but chose Iowa State over the Rebels and Kansas State.

Grill spent one season in Ames but entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the 2019-20 season.

Grill originally committed with South Dakota State out of high school but de-committed when Jackrabbits head coach T.J. Otzelberger left to become head coach at UNLV.&nbsp;

Grill played played in 29 games during the 2019-20 season at Iowa State, averaging 2.1 points per game.

Former Maize High standout guard Caleb Grill has announced through social media he is transferring to UNLV. Grill considered attending UNLV a year ago but chose Iowa State over the Rebels and Kansas State.Grill spent one season in Ames but entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the 2019-20 season.Grill originally committed with South Dakota State out of high school but de-committed when Jackrabbits head coach T.J. Otzelberger left to become head coach at UNLV.&nbsp;Grill played played in 29 games during the 2019-20 season at Iowa State, averaging 2.1 points per game.

Caleb Grill transfers from Iowa State to UNLV

Northwest Missouri State women's basketball coach Austin Meyer has tested positive for COVID-19.

Meyer made the announcement on social media Sunday:

"It has been a little rough this past week as I had battled some sickness. I can't remember the last time I had been sick so of course I started thinking I probably have this COVID thing. Turns out I did as I received a positive test result. One big question is how did I get this? I started working from home weeks ago, washed my hands so much my skin was cracking, stayed in with the family and only left for grocery essentials (where the germaphobe in me wiped everything down, even the milk). It just didn't make sense but I guess it shows how easily this thing can spread. As for me, I'm on day 7 and am feeling pretty good just hoping our family continues to stay healthy. The virus is obviously around here more than people think so please be vigilant &amp; be safe!"

Meyer just finish his second season as the head coach of the Northwest women as they finished 12-18 and 6-13 in the MIAA. The Bearcats won four more game and two more league game than in Meyer's first season.

Meyer played as Northwest from 2002-2006 and was a full-time assistant coach for the Northwest men's basketball team from 2008-2018 before taking over the women's program.

Northwest Missouri State women's basketball coach Austin Meyer has tested positive for COVID-19.Meyer made the announcement on social media Sunday:"It has been a little rough this past week as I had battled some sickness. I can't remember the last time I had been sick so of course I started thinking I probably have this COVID thing. Turns out I did as I received a positive test result. One big question is how did I get this? I started working from home weeks ago, washed my hands so much my skin was cracking, stayed in with the family and only left for grocery essentials (where the germaphobe in me wiped everything down, even the milk). It just didn't make sense but I guess it shows how easily this thing can spread. As for me, I'm on day 7 and am feeling pretty good just hoping our family continues to stay healthy. The virus is obviously around here more than people think so please be vigilant &amp; be safe!"Meyer just finish his second season as the head coach of the Northwest women as they finished 12-18 and 6-13 in the MIAA. The Bearcats won four more game and two more league game than in Meyer's first season.Meyer played as Northwest from 2002-2006 and was a full-time assistant coach for the Northwest men's basketball team from 2008-2018 before taking over the women's program.

NW Missouri State women's basketball coach tests positive for COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs and wide receiver Sammy Watkins have agreed on a restructured one-year contract that gives the franchise much-needed salary cap relief. 

That's according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke with The Associated Press on Friday. 

The person said Watkins will make $9 million in base salary but that incentives could drive the total package to $16 million. More important for the club, the deal will give the Chiefs about $5 million in salary cap savings ahead of the NFL draft.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs and wide receiver Sammy Watkins have agreed on a restructured one-year contract that gives the franchise much-needed salary cap relief. That's according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke with The Associated Press on Friday. The person said Watkins will make $9 million in base salary but that incentives could drive the total package to $16 million. More important for the club, the deal will give the Chiefs about $5 million in salary cap savings ahead of the NFL draft.

Chiefs agree to reworked deal with WR Watkins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid is like most people these days. The Kansas City Chiefs coach is hunkered down in his basement trying to avoid going out in public as he works from a makeshift office consisting of a computer, an iPad and an old side table. 

The difference though: He's trying to build a team that can defend a Super Bowl title. That means negotiating free agency and putting together a plan for the NFL draft still scheduled to take place later this month.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid is like most people these days. The Kansas City Chiefs coach is hunkered down in his basement trying to avoid going out in public as he works from a makeshift office consisting of a computer, an iPad and an old side table. The difference though: He's trying to build a team that can defend a Super Bowl title. That means negotiating free agency and putting together a plan for the NFL draft still scheduled to take place later this month.

Chiefs' Reid plotting Super Bowl defense from his basement

UNDATED (AP) - NFL teams are having to adjust to a new normal as they prepare for the NFL draft in three weeks without being able to visit prospects for in-person evaluations and interviews. 

The league is responding to the global coronavirus pandemic by forbidding teams from hosting prospects or traveling to interview them as they normally do. 

The pandemic also scuttled many college pro timing days that prospects were hoping to use to make impressions on NFL scouts, so teams will have to rely on game film more than ever. 

The NFL still plans to open the season as scheduled on Sept. 10.

UNDATED (AP) - NFL teams are having to adjust to a new normal as they prepare for the NFL draft in three weeks without being able to visit prospects for in-person evaluations and interviews. The league is responding to the global coronavirus pandemic by forbidding teams from hosting prospects or traveling to interview them as they normally do. The pandemic also scuttled many college pro timing days that prospects were hoping to use to make impressions on NFL scouts, so teams will have to rely on game film more than ever. The NFL still plans to open the season as scheduled on Sept. 10.

NFL teams gear up for upcoming draft

LOS ANGELES – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 10-member 2020 Men’s Wooden Award All-America Team, the Los Angeles Athletics Club announced Wednesday. Additionally, Azubuike was named one of five finalists for the 2020 Wooden Award. The men’s and women’s Wooden Award All-American teams were selected by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board.

This is the fourth time in the last five seasons a Jayhawk has been named to the Men’s Wooden Award All-American squad. In 2016, KU’s Perry Ellis was named Wooden All-American. The following season Frank Mason III won the Wooden Award and Josh Jackson joined Mason on the All-American team. In 2018, Devonte’ Graham was one of five finalists for the Wooden Award, also earning Wooden All-American honors.

Overall, Azubuike and Dotson become the 24th and 25th Wooden All-Americans from Kansas, marking the fifth time two Jayhawks have appeared on the team – 2017 (Mason, Jackson); 2003 (Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich); 1998 (Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce); and 1997 (Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn). Current head coach Bill Self has mentored 14 of KU’s 25 Wooden All-Americans.

Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Mason in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.

Kansas Wooden Award All-Americans 2020 – Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson 2018 – Devonte’ Graham 2017 – Frank Mason III (Wooden Award recipient, Josh Jackson 2016 – Perry Ellis 2014 – Andrew Wiggins 2013 – Ben McLemore 2012 – Thomas Robinson 2011 – Marcus Morris 2010 – Sherron Collins 2008 – Brandon Rush 2007 – Brandon Rush 2005 – Wayne Simien 2003 – Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich 2002 – Drew Gooden 1998 – Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce 1997 – Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn 1996 – Jacque Vaughn 1988 – Danny Manning (Wooden Award recipient) 1986 – Danny Manning

LOS ANGELES – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 10-member 2020 Men’s Wooden Award All-America Team, the Los Angeles Athletics Club announced Wednesday. Additionally, Azubuike was named one of five finalists for the 2020 Wooden Award. The men’s and women’s Wooden Award All-American teams were selected by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board.This is the fourth time in the last five seasons a Jayhawk has been named to the Men’s Wooden Award All-American squad. In 2016, KU’s Perry Ellis was named Wooden All-American. The following season Frank Mason III won the Wooden Award and Josh Jackson joined Mason on the All-American team. In 2018, Devonte’ Graham was one of five finalists for the Wooden Award, also earning Wooden All-American honors.Overall, Azubuike and Dotson become the 24th and 25th Wooden All-Americans from Kansas, marking the fifth time two Jayhawks have appeared on the team – 2017 (Mason, Jackson); 2003 (Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich); 1998 (Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce); and 1997 (Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn). Current head coach Bill Self has mentored 14 of KU’s 25 Wooden All-Americans.Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Mason in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.Kansas Wooden Award All-Americans 2020 – Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson 2018 – Devonte’ Graham 2017 – Frank Mason III (Wooden Award recipient, Josh Jackson 2016 – Perry Ellis 2014 – Andrew Wiggins 2013 – Ben McLemore 2012 – Thomas Robinson 2011 – Marcus Morris 2010 – Sherron Collins 2008 – Brandon Rush 2007 – Brandon Rush 2005 – Wayne Simien 2003 – Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich 2002 – Drew Gooden 1998 – Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce 1997 – Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn 1996 – Jacque Vaughn 1988 – Danny Manning (Wooden Award recipient) 1986 – Danny ManningKansas Athletics

Kansas duo Azubuike, Dotson named Wooden Award All-Americans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced the location for its 2021 Spring Championships. The 2020 scheduled championship venues in baseball, men’s golf, and outdoor track and field will again be the site of the championships in 2021. Along with those championships, next year’s Softball Championship and Women’s Golf Championship are scheduled to be played at their 2021 originally contracted site.

Opportunities to remain the host for next year’s championship was accepted by each site after the cancellation of the 2020 spring seasons due to COVID-19. A recommendation by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force allowed locations to continue to host each championship. The recommendation was then unanimously approved by the MIAA Institutional Representatives Council (IRC).

The 2021 Baseball Championship finals presented by Mammoth Turf will be hosted by Missouri Southern at Warren Turner Field in Joplin, Missouri on May 13-16. Pittsburg State will host the 2021 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 7-9 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Next year’s Men’s Golf Championship is slated for April 19-21 at Shangri-La Golf Course and Resort in Monkey Island, Oklahoma.

Central Oklahoma will host the 2021 Softball Championship on May 6-9. The venue will be Broncho Softball Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma if the USA Softball Complex in Oklahoma City remains unavailable due to construction. Next year’s Women’s Golf Championship will be held on April 22-24 at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced the location for its 2021 Spring Championships. The 2020 scheduled championship venues in baseball, men’s golf, and outdoor track and field will again be the site of the championships in 2021. Along with those championships, next year’s Softball Championship and Women’s Golf Championship are scheduled to be played at their 2021 originally contracted site.Opportunities to remain the host for next year’s championship was accepted by each site after the cancellation of the 2020 spring seasons due to COVID-19. A recommendation by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force allowed locations to continue to host each championship. The recommendation was then unanimously approved by the MIAA Institutional Representatives Council (IRC).The 2021 Baseball Championship finals presented by Mammoth Turf will be hosted by Missouri Southern at Warren Turner Field in Joplin, Missouri on May 13-16. Pittsburg State will host the 2021 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 7-9 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Next year’s Men’s Golf Championship is slated for April 19-21 at Shangri-La Golf Course and Resort in Monkey Island, Oklahoma.Central Oklahoma will host the 2021 Softball Championship on May 6-9. The venue will be Broncho Softball Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma if the USA Softball Complex in Oklahoma City remains unavailable due to construction. Next year’s Women’s Golf Championship will be held on April 22-24 at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.MIAA Release

MIAA announces 2021 spring championship locations

ATLANTA – Kansas junior Marcus Garrett has been named the 2020 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Wednesday.

Garrett won the honor after being named one of four finalists along with Ashton Hagans (Kentucky, Tre Jones (Duke) and Mark Vital (Baylor). Garrett and DiDi Richards of Baylor, the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year winner, were chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s board of selectors, comprised of leading journalists from around the country, who based their selections on outstanding on-court defensive performances during the 2019-20 regular college basketball season. Each winner will be honored with a ceremony at a later date.

“First, I would like to thank God. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates because these awards are won as a team, not individually. I’d also like to thank the Naismith Awards voters,” Garrett said. “We had a great season as did the other finalists who were also worthy of this award. I hope and pray all are safe with the current happenings worldwide, and we get back to normalcy soon. Rock Chalk!”

Garrett led the Big 12 in assists (4.6) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7). The guard from Dallas also ranked among the Big 12 leaders in steals (fifth at 1.8). Garrett averaged 4.5 deflections per game this season, including 6.9 in his last nine outings for No. 1 Kansas. For the season, Garrett averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He was the 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, USBWA All-District VI, All-Big 12 Second/Third Team and a unanimous Big 12 All-Defensive Team selection.

This is the third year of the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. West Virginia’s Jevon Carter was the inaugural recipient in 2018 and Matisse Thybulle of Washington was last year’s honoree.

ATLANTA – Kansas junior Marcus Garrett has been named the 2020 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Wednesday.Garrett won the honor after being named one of four finalists along with Ashton Hagans (Kentucky, Tre Jones (Duke) and Mark Vital (Baylor). Garrett and DiDi Richards of Baylor, the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year winner, were chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s board of selectors, comprised of leading journalists from around the country, who based their selections on outstanding on-court defensive performances during the 2019-20 regular college basketball season. Each winner will be honored with a ceremony at a later date.“First, I would like to thank God. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates because these awards are won as a team, not individually. I’d also like to thank the Naismith Awards voters,” Garrett said. “We had a great season as did the other finalists who were also worthy of this award. I hope and pray all are safe with the current happenings worldwide, and we get back to normalcy soon. Rock Chalk!”Garrett led the Big 12 in assists (4.6) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7). The guard from Dallas also ranked among the Big 12 leaders in steals (fifth at 1.8). Garrett averaged 4.5 deflections per game this season, including 6.9 in his last nine outings for No. 1 Kansas. For the season, Garrett averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He was the 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, USBWA All-District VI, All-Big 12 Second/Third Team and a unanimous Big 12 All-Defensive Team selection.This is the third year of the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. West Virginia’s Jevon Carter was the inaugural recipient in 2018 and Matisse Thybulle of Washington was last year’s honoree.Kansas Athletics

Jayhawks' Garrett named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year

The Kansas
Basketball Coaches Association has released their All-State teams for 2020.
Hays High’s senior Dylan Ruder is an honorable mention selection in 5A and
TMP-Marian senior Carson Jacobs honorable mention in 3A.

Ruder started
in all of the Indians 23 games this past season and averaged 6.3 points and a
team best 6.5 rebounds per game. The Indians finished the 2019-20 campaign with
a 17-6 record. They advanced to the semifinals of the 5A State Tournament before
it was canceled due to COVID-19.

The Kansas
Basketball Coaches Association has released their All-State teams for 2020.
Hays High’s senior Dylan Ruder is an honorable mention selection in 5A and
TMP-Marian senior Carson Jacobs honorable mention in 3A.Ruder started
in all of the Indians 23 games this past season and averaged 6.3 points and a
team best 6.5 rebounds per game. The Indians finished the 2019-20 campaign with
a 17-6 record. They advanced to the semifinals of the 5A State Tournament before
it was canceled due to COVID-19.Jacobs
averaged 13.8 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game for the Monarchs
who won the Mid-Continent regular season and tournament titles and finished 18-5.Plainville’s
Jared Casey was named first-team in Class 2A along with Hoxie’s Harlan Obioha.
Ellis seniors Zach Eck and Brady Frickey were named honorable mention along
with Trego’s Charlie Russell.Osborne’s
Steele Wolters is a second-team pick in 1A. Taylor Cable of Ness City was named
honorable mention.Plainville’s
Aubrey Dewey and Trego’s Lili Shubert are both first-team picks in 2A girls.
Phillipsburg freshman Taryn Sides was named second-team in 3A. Emily Ryan of
Central Plains heads the 1A first-team along with Madeleine Wiltse of
Otis-Bison. Osborne’s Trinity Lutters was on the honorable mention list.<a href="https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/03ae-2143116/KBCA_Boys_All_State_2020__Classes_1A_thru_6A.pdf#_ga=2.131779855.1447282737.1585736326-534718826.1585736326">2020 KBCA
Boys All-State Teams 1A-6A</a><a href="https://cdn2.sportngin.com/attachments/document/33f1-2143122/KBCA_Girls_All_State_2020__Classes_1A_thru_6A.pdf#_ga=2.131328271.1447282737.1585736326-534718826.1585736326">2020 KBCA
Girls All-State Teams 1A-6A</a>